Top Free Dispersed Camping near Scotts Valley, CA

Camping near Scotts Valley, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: There are amazing trails in the area. At Pinnacles Campground, one visitor said, "The trails are wild, like a moonscape." Another camper noted, "Just driving here was worth the visit, but get out on the trails to really appreciate the diversity."
• Wildlife Watching: Many campers enjoy spotting wildlife. One reviewer at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground mentioned, "Seen a ton of wildlife and overall wasn’t very crowded."
• Star Gazing: The dark skies in the area make for great star gazing. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground shared, "Very dark at night which is great for star gazing."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Mount Madonna County Park said, "The VERY cleanest restrooms, with the added convenience of hand soap!!"
• Privacy: Many campgrounds offer private sites. A reviewer at New Brighton State Beach Campground mentioned, "Spot 64 was humongous and extremely private."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Big Sur Campground & Cabins noted, "The staff were all very friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

• Weather: Summers can be extremely hot. One camper at Pinnacles Campground warned, "It is WICKED hot in the summer."
• Reservations: Many campgrounds fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons. A visitor at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground advised, "You will need to book a few months in advance."
• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups or markets nearby. A camper at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground mentioned, "No reservations can be made."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. A reviewer at California Veterans Memorial Park Campground said, "If you have little ones they’ll have fun on the playground."
• Plan for Bugs: Be prepared for insects, especially in warmer months. One camper at Anthony Chabot Regional Park noted, "We had two new types of visitors... the aggressive yellow jackets."
• Bring Extra Layers: Nights can get chilly, so pack warm clothes. A visitor at Mount Madonna County Park warned, "It gets very cold at night."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park Campground mentioned, "We worried that we wouldn't make it through the narrow roads and overhanging trees."
• Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A visitor at Anthony Chabot Regional Park said, "The dump station was in good working order."
• Plan for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups. A camper at Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park Campground noted, "NO electric hookups."

Camping near Scotts Valley, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just be prepared and enjoy the great outdoors!